Possible Reactions, Risks and Complications

Permanent makeup is a procedure involving controlled micro-trauma to the skin and the implantation of pigment. Even with correct technique, single-use materials, proper sanitary practice, and correct aftercare, the individual response of the skin and the final healed result can differ from person to person.

• redness and moderate sensitivity in the treated area
• mild to moderate swelling, particularly after work on the lips or eyelids
• clear interstitial fluid in the first hours
• a feeling of tightness, dryness, or light itching as it heals
• a thin surface film, flaking, or small crusts
• temporarily brighter, more saturated color right after the procedure
• temporary marked lightening or visual unevenness after the film or flaking comes away
• gradual settling of the shade as the skin recovers over the following weeks

• skin infection, including where aftercare was not followed or where materials or pigment were contaminated
• allergic or inflammatory reaction to the pigment, the numbing agent, the antiseptic, or another product used
• prolonged redness, itching, swelling, tenderness, or rash
• formation of scar tissue; the risk is higher in people prone to keloid scarring
• granulomatous reaction — small nodules forming around pigment particles
• uneven pigment retention, lighter areas, or gaps after healing
• unwanted shifts in the pigment shade over time, under the influence of the skin, ultraviolet light, cosmetic treatments, and individual factors
• migration or blurring of pigment beyond the intended borders in unfavourable individual conditions or where pigment was placed too deeply
• temporary or persistent changes in skin texture, hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation in the treated area
• rarely, burning, tingling, or swelling in the area of a tattoo or permanent makeup during an MRI scan; always tell medical staff that you have permanent makeup before a scan
• the need for additional correction, lightening, or removal if the healed result differs from what you wanted

• noticeable temporary swelling and increased sensitivity are possible after the procedure
• in people with a history of cold sores, trauma to the lips can trigger a recurrence of herpes simplex; any history of outbreaks must be disclosed before the procedure
• the color immediately afterwards may be considerably brighter, and temporarily very light during healing; the final shade is assessed after full recovery

• temporary swelling, sensitivity, and redness of the eyelids are possible in the first hours or days

• skin type and condition
• your individual rate of regeneration and metabolism
• previous permanent makeup or scarring
• how closely aftercare recommendations are followed
• sun and UV exposure
• acids, retinoids, peels, laser treatments, and other cosmetic procedures
• mechanical removal of crusts or vigorous rubbing of the area
• medications and medical conditions that can affect the skin, bleeding, or healing
• your individual response to the pigment

Seek medical attention if symptoms appear or increase that do not match ordinary healing:

• severe or increasing pain
• rapidly increasing or pronounced swelling
• redness that spreads or intensifies instead of settling
• pus, open painful areas, or an unpleasant smell
• fever, chills, or a marked deterioration in how you feel overall
• a pronounced allergic reaction, hives, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or rapidly spreading swelling
• after eyelid work — eye pain, disturbed vision, or other pronounced eye symptoms

The final color, density, and uniformity of permanent makeup cannot be objectively assessed immediately after the procedure or while it is flaking. In the first weeks the epidermis is recovering and its hydration and optical properties are changing, so pigment can temporarily look considerably lighter or uneven.

The healed result is assessed after the skin has fully recovered. A correction, if one is genuinely needed, is performed no earlier than 30 days after the initial procedure, and the appropriate interval may extend to around two and a half months depending on age, skin type, and healing.

Before the procedure you will be asked to sign a consent form at the studio. It confirms that:

• you have had the opportunity to disclose all relevant medical conditions, medications, allergies, previous procedures, and other information that may affect the procedure or healing
• you have reviewed the contraindications, aftercare instructions, expected healing stages, potential risks, and limitations of permanent makeup
• you understand that individual results vary and that no specific healed color, pigment-retention percentage, or duration of the result has been guaranteed to you
• you understand that temporary changes in color, lightening, peeling, or visual unevenness may occur during healing and do not by themselves establish that the procedure was performed incorrectly
• you understand that once the service has been fully performed, payment for the completed service is generally non-refundable, subject to any rights that cannot legally be waived under applicable law
• you have had an opportunity to ask questions before proceeding and have received answers to them

You will be given time to read the form and ask questions before signing it. Nothing in it removes your legal rights, and it does not replace medical advice where your health requires it.

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Tattoos & Permanent Makeup — Fact Sheet. Health risks include infection, allergic reactions, granulomas, keloids, MRI reactions, and difficulties with removal.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Think Before You Ink — Tattoo Safety.
• American Academy of Dermatology (AAD): Tattoo skin reactions — infection, allergic reactions, scarring and keloids, and other skin reactions.